The Kidsignments sale, a biannual event held every spring and fall at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, kicks off at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Savvy shoppers with children ages infant through teen are preparing now to take advantage of bargains on kids’ clothes, shoes, toys, books, DVDs and more. Expectant mothers will even find maternity clothes for sale at this event.

“It’s so huge. We call it the Super Bowl of consignment sales,” said Cathy Seith, a mom who’s also in charge of publicity for this mega-event marked on the calendars of moms throughout the state. What started as a simple idea on a small scale in Jeri Lynn Cunningham’s garage 17 years ago has grown to a giant consignment sale occupying two buildings at the fairgrounds. The number of sellers participating this year has topped out at 1,400, the most in the sale’s history.

New this year is a large selection of Junior clothing, and dressing rooms have been also been added. “That way, picky teens can try on their own clothes before buying them,” Seith said. Also new this year is the teen pre-sale, reserved specifically for college students. ”Kids at that age are beginning to understand how much things cost, and they really appreciate a bargain,” Cunningham said.

By “liking” the Kidsignments Consignment Sale Facebook page, college students will have their names added to a list for admittance, which begins at 7 p.m. on Monday. They must present a student ID and will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last. They will also be directed to an “Express” checkout line in order to make the shopping experience “easy and painless,” Cunningham said.

Seith advises buyers to come prepared to shop.

“People will bring either a laundry basket or a clean garbage can on wheels to carry their stuff in,” Seith said. Since crowds on Tuesday will be so large, sale staff will not allow children (including infants) or strollers inside until after 2 p.m. “This policy is strictly for safety reasons,” Seith said.

Cunningham takes pride in the fact that only good quality items in very good shape are accepted for sale at Kidsignments. Items with rips, stains or other obvious damage are not offered for sale.

Teachers and day care operators also make a point to shop Kidsignments, since book sellers — many with new books — participate in the sale.

The Kidsignments sale has twice been named “Best Place to Buy Children’s Clothing” by Gwinnett Magazine, and the sale has also made the list of “101 Top Things to do in Georgia.”

The Kidsignments consignment sale is open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Friday, many items will be marked 25 percent off, and on Saturday, 50 percent off.

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds is located at 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville.